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w^PRACTiCALj^n* 



?a.is 



Ball Playing 




By ARTHUR A. IRWIN. 

'PUBLISHED BY THt\ 



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Practical Ball Flayin^i 



BY / 

ARTHUR A. IRWIN. .u^^^x 




CONTAINING INTERESTING CHAPTERS ON 

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM BATTING ; ESSEN- 

TIALS OF A GOOD BATSMAN; POSITION: 

BUNTING; FIELDING, ETC. 



WITH INSTRUCTIVE HINTS TO THE 

PITCHER, CATCHER, BASEMEN, SHORTSTOP 
AND FT ELDERS. 




W- 



FOULLY ili^ljstra.te:d. 



PUBLISHED BY THE 

AMERICAN SPORTS PUBLISHING CO., 

241 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, 



K. 



Q-i/ ^i^7 



Entfred according to Act of Conress, in the year 1895, by 
The American Sports Publishing Co., 

IN THE OFFICE OF THE LIBRARIAN OF CONGRESS, AT WASHINGTON. 



PREFACE. 

To develop any physical accomplishment through the me- 
dium of a printed treatise, though the novice possesses the 
requisite mental application and the physical ability, is, even 
when successful, a work of slow growth. Example is always 
more impressive than precept, its lessons more lasting. 

The ball player who essays to become a good batsman will be 
influenced to a greater extent by the teacher who himself does 
what he wants the player to do than by one who simply tells 
him what he should do. 

It is not claimed that a perusal of these few hints on scienti- 
fic batting and fielding will make a successful player of the 
reader, but it is claimed, and confidently claimed, too, that 
the reader who carefully follows out the instructions herewith 
given will make more of his own natural ability, both for his 
own individual record and that of his club. A. A. I, 

Philadelphia, February, 1895. 



PRACTICAL BALL FLAYINQ. 



POPULARITY OF BATTING. 

To the great majority of the followers 
and lovers of the national game batting is 
its most enjoyable feature. It furnishes 
the keynote to every game, whether the 
score be large or small. No matter how 
skilful the fielders may be, they will have 
no opportunity to display the stuff of which 
they are made unless the side at bat shall 
"hit the ball." Batting makes the spec- 
tacular part of the game, and without it 
there would be no game at all. 

It was in obedience to the public demand, 
as voiced by the press throughout the 
country, that the Rules Committee of the 
National League and American Associ- 
ation of Professional Base Ball Clubs two 
years ago resolved to curtail the power of the pitcher, and in- 
creased the distance from the home plate to the box. 

The wisdom of this move was soon made apparent. Though 
the time consumed by the ball in traversing the additional 
space was almost infinitesimal, it afforded the batsman an op- 
portunity of which he was not slow to avail himself. It gave 
him just that much more time in which to "gauge" the ball, 
and as a consequence, base hits not only multiplied with grati- 
fying steadiness, but the number of strike outs — that bane to 
the spectators' enjoyment, particularly when the home team rs 
at bat — were materially reduced. More action was injected into 
the game, and the contests were involved in more uncertainty. 




PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 5 

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM BATTING. 

There are two kinds of batting, individual and team, and of 
the two the latter is more important. It has been only during 
the past four or five years that team batting, which is far and 
away the most scientific part of base ball as it is played to-day, 
has received the attention its great importance demands, 
although it was practised as far back as '79 and '80 by Chicago; 
in '82, '83 and '84 by Providence ; in *86 and '87 by Philadel- 
phia ; in '88 and '89 by New York, and since then by Boston, 
Baltimore and Philadelphia. 

The success of the Baltimore club in the championship race 
last season was due entirely to the great degree of perfection 
attained in team batting by its players, and the teams that shall 
win the pennants in the future will be those who, everything 
else being nearly equal, shall develop to the greatest extent the 
art of "hitting and running together." In the judgment of 
many critics the Baltimore club of last season was outclassed 
individually by at least four others, but yet it won the pennant, 
and simply because it played a team-batting game from the 
beginning of the season until its end. 

ESSENTIALS OF A GOOD BATSMAN, 

But before team batting can be attained the individual bats- 
man must be trained up to his part of the work. The prime 
requisites of a good batsman are (i) a good, clear, quick eye 
vith which to "time" or gauge the ball, and (2) the strength 
of arm and body to give it impetus. 

In no department of the game does form count for so much 
as in baiting, and a batsman's form reveals at once his strength 
or his weakness. The batsman who takes up his position as 
shown !n Fig, i, facing the pitcher, his feet well together, and 
his bat gracefully balanced on his shoulder, is prepared for any 
ball that may come across the plate, and is more than likely to 
compel the pitcher to resort to all his cunning in order to dis- 
pose of him. On the contrary, the batsman who after reaching 
the plate nervously saws the air with his bat, is a comparatively 
easy " mark" for a patient pitcher who knows his business. 

Having the physical requisites, the young player who aspires 
to become a great hitter should exercise the greatest care in 
selecting his bat. It should be as heavy as the player can con- 
veniently handle, and made of second-growth ash, such as 
gotten out by A. G. Spalding & Bros. The ball will "shoot 
off " a heavy bat faster and harder than a light one, and by 
reason of its weight will tend to prevent the young player from 
sawing the air as above referred to. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. I.— correct J^OSITION AT BAT 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 7 

AS TO POSITION. 

In taking his place at the plate the batsman should face the 
pitcher as shown in Fig. i, his side on a line with second base, 
feet drawn well together, and the bat so nicely balanced on his 
shoulder as to make its weight imperceptible. There should 
be no "false" or lost motion, and there should be nothing to 
distract his attention from the pitcher. 

At the first movement of the pitcher's hand the batsman 
should take a step forward, throwing the right shoulder back, 
but still keeping the bat in its original position, as shown in 

Fig. 2. . . r 

Fig. 3 shows the correct position of the batsman in the act ot 
hitting the ball. The weight of the body, in addition to the 
strength of the arms, is brought into play, and the bat is held 
at right angles with the body, so that no matter what part of 
the bat the ball may hit it is bound to go out. Some idea of 
the advantage that the batsman who " throws his weight" into 
his bat while in the act of hitting has over the batsman who 
" pulls back " — that is, comes back on his rear foot, depending 
upon his arms entirely for his propelling power— is shown by 
the fact that "Big Sam" Thompson, of the Philadelphia club, 
is the only one of the great hitters of the League who is guilty 
of the latter practice. 

BUNTING. 

There is probably no one point of play that has aroused so 
much adverse criticism or has been so warmly defended as 
bunting. Its detractors condemn the play as being "babyfied," 
and do not hesitate to call to the luckless batsman, who may be 
acting under orders, to "hit it out." As a matter of fact, how- 
ever, "bunting " has gradually developed into the very science 
of batting, and the clubs that have acquired the greatest pro- 
ficiency in the art of "dumping them down " in front of the 
plate, or "pushing them" with tantalizing slowness toward 
first or third have always been nearer the front in the race for 
the pennant than those who have depended solely upon their 
ability to knock out singles, doubles and triples. 

To bunt successfully the batsman must have a good eye, good 
nerve and good judgment. There is a knack in bunting which 
can only be acquired by practice, but when once acquired, like 
swimming, it is not soon forgotten. 

In Fig. 4 the batsman is shown in position while attempting 
to bunt toward first. The bat is slanted back toward the 
catcher, and the batsman makes no attempt to hit the ball. He 
simply endeavors to catch or hold it, the force of the contact 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig 



2.-AT FIRST MOVE OF THE PITCHER'S ARM. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYINC. 9 

with the bat generally carrying tlie ball half way toward first. 
To bunt toward third the same tactics are used, except that the 
slant of the bat i< more toward the pitcher, as shown in Fig. 5. 

TEAM BA TTING. 

There is probably no expression in the whole range of base 
ball literature that has been used more frequently than •♦team- 
work," and none that has been so often misapplied. So far as 
fielding goes there is little or no chance for team work, for the 
reason that whatever the fielders will do is determined by the 
course of the ball. Of course, with a runner on first, the second 
baseman knows that he should cover second if a ball is driven 




.^9^. 




to the short stop, and vice versa, and the infielders all know 
that they should, when possible, cut off the runner nearest 
home. But in almost every other instance their actions are 
governed by the exigencies of the occasion. 

At the bat, however, there is every opportunity for team- 
work, for the reason that the batsman and the base-runner or 
base-runners can work in unison to accomplish some desired 
plaa already agreed upon. 

In order to make team-work productive there must be a 
thorough understanding between all the players. The base- 
runners must know what the batsman is going to try to do ; the 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. 3.— in THE ACT OF HITTING AT THE BALL. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. II 

batsman, in order to carry out his part of the programme, must 
know what the base-runners are to attempt. An understanding 
once arrived at, everything will depend upon the willingness 
and the ability of the players — and the willingness is not infre- 
quently harder to develop than the ability. 

Team-play involves personal sacrifice, and the player who 
believes that his commercial value is graded according to his 
proximity to the .400 mark will never shine in that department 
of play unless compelled to by his superiors. Team-work at 
the bat produces runs, and runs win games. Very few batsmen 
make more than one hit out of three times at bat, and yet there 
is hardly a batsman in the country who could not by intelli- 
gent effort and direction succeed in advancing a runner a base 
at least four times out of five. 

With a runner on first the central idea of the batsman should 
be to "protect the runner," no matter what may happen to 
himself. The runner is nearer the home plate than the bats- 
man, and must be protected. 

To begin with, there should be a code of signals thoroughly 
understood by all the players. This is essential to the success 
of all team-play, for many a plan has often been spoiled because 
of the failure of a player to comprehend or act upon a signal, 
whether it be a sign or a word. To illustrate: The first thing 
for the base-runner to do is to endeavor to find out who will 
cover second base — the second baseman or the shortstop — in 
order to receive the anticipated throw down. This is done by 
the base-runner making a "blind" start — that is. making a 
dash for the base as though he really meant to try for it, and 
then returning quickly to first. At this juncture the batsman 
puts himself in evidence by watching the second baseman and 
the shortstop. Assuming that the second baseman starts to 
cover the base, then the plan of action is agreed upon. As soon 
as the signal is given the runner immediately starts with the 
movement of the pitcher's arm, and the batsman drives, or 
attempts to drive, the ball into right field. This protects the 
base-runner, for whether the ball is fielded or not, he reaches 
second in safety, and is in position to score on an ordinary base 
hit, and if the ball rolls safely into right field he will reach 
third, from whence he can score on a fly to the outfield. 

If the shortstop starts to cover the base, then the batsman 
will endeavor to "pull" the ball toward third, and generally 
with the same result. To make this play successful the base- 
runner must start on the signal, and the batsman must hit the 
ball in order to protect the runner. This is undoubtedly the 
greatest play in team batting, for it not only makes runs for the 



12 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 








^ jTjG, 4,^ByNTINQ TOWARD FIRST BASE, 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 1 3 

club, but it makes hits for the batsman — and that after all is 
what they are after. With young players this play is particu- 
larly advantageous. It removes all nervousness or "stage 
fright," and relieves them of all responsibility and gives them 
a confidence which they never could command if left to act 
upon their own judgment. To the good batsman who is a poor 
runner this play has its advantages also. On an ordinary bunt 
the chances are that the slow base-runner would be retired at 
first, and though the runner occupying that base would be ad- 
vanced to second, one-third of the inning would be sacrificed in 
the operation. But with the second baseman covering his bag, 
right field is practically left open, for the first baseman does not 
leave his position until the runner starts for second. This gives 
the batsman a chance to drive the ball safely through, and 
secures for him a base hit. 

This style of play should be kept up so long as the side at 
bat is making runs or is in the lead. But assuming that the 
score is close or tied, and there are men on first and second, and 
a sure run is wanted, then it is that bunting should be resorted 
to, for it is a safe play and ensures the advancement of the run- 
ners. But the base-runners and the batsman must work together 
as before — to run and bunt on the preconcerted signal. The 
advantage of the play at this stage is manifest. The third base- 
man, for instance, is between two fires. He sees the runner 
who is on second starting to steal third, and naturally hugs 
third base more closely than he otherwise would ; at the same 
time he cannot lose sight of the batsman. If the latter makes 
a slow bunt the third baseman in his anxiety is apt to fumble it, 
or may not be able to reach the ball in time to retire the bats- 
man at first. In any event the runners are safe. 

But the beginner should always bear in mind that the great 
secret of success of team batting lies in protecting the runner. 

FIELDING. 

To the eye, fielding is undoubtedly the most delightful fea- 
ture of our national game, and though it has been eclipsed in 
importance by batting in recent years, owing to the legislation 
in favor of the latter, the fact remains that it is almost as big a 
factor in determining victory or defeat as ever it was. Brilliant 
fielding does not produce runs — it prevents them; and in play- 
ing a game it is just as desirable to keep your opponents from 
scoring as it is to score yourself. In other words, fielding is 
the defensive side of base ball; batting the offensive. Just as 
there is ^ disposition to exaggerate the importance of slugging 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. 5.— bunting TOWARD THIRD BASE. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 15 

pure and simple, so there is a disposition shown to belittle the 
importance of fielding. The championship has never been won 
by heavy hitting alone. The Detroit champions of 1887 were 
not only heavy batsmen, but they were clean fielders, and had 
an exceptionally skilful corps of pitchers in addition, and yet 
they only finished four games ahead of the Philadelphia team, 
which in batting ranked sixth, but which in fielding and base- 
running was the fastest club in the League. 

One of the chief charms of the national pastime is the variety 
it affords. Necessarily the playing of one game suggests 
another, and yet there were never two exactly alike. The 
changes that can be and are rung in on the batting, fielding, 
base-running, pitching, and team-work relieve the game of all 
sameness, and combine to make it what it really is — the most 
attractive outdoor sport yet devised. 

In the accompanying pages I shall endeavor to give the young 
and aspiring player some hints on the practical side of fielding, 
what he should do, and how he should go about it. 



THE PROPER WA V TO EI ELD. 

With the exception of base-running, no department of the 
game makes a greater demand upon the mental alertness of the 
player than fielding. The batsman generally endeavors to do 
that which is already agreed upon; the fielder is, as a rule, 
thrown upon his own resources, and not infrequently the com- 
pletion of the play he contemplates when the ball is batted will 
hinge upon some other player anticipating that play. And it 
is right here that the importance of unison of field play 
comes in. At the bat the batsman, base-runner or base-runners, 
andcoachers only are in the game; in the field all nine players 
are in the game from the time the first ball is pitched until the 
third hand is retired. When a ball is batted, every fielder, ex- 
cepting, of course, those whose business it is to "back tip," 
should move in the direction in which the ball is traveling, and 
when it is possible for two men to field it, both should go after 
it. Both will intuitively know which of the two should stop it, 
or whether, if it is a fly, to catch it ; and in the event of a fum- 
ble or a muff the other player is in position to nullify to some 
extent the misplay. In this way extra bases, and incidentally 
runs, are frequently saved. 

Under no consideration should the fielder lose sight of 
the ball, no matter how far it may be from his own bail- 
iwick. 



i6 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




jTiG. 6 -PROPER POSITION BEFORE DELIVERING BALL. 



PRACTICAL BAI-L PLAYING. 



17 



THE 




BA TTERIES. 

With the patrons of the 
game, the managers and the 
players themselves, the "bat- 
teries " — pitchers and catch- 
ers — are regarded with the 
greatest concern. Between 
them, the pitcher and the 
catcher hold the key to the 
situation, and their influence, 
for good or indifferent play, 
upon the other players cannot 
be overestimated. No team is 
stronger than its weakness in 
the box — a paradox that is 
susceptible of proof. Noth- 
ing so demoralizes fielders as 
wild work on the part of the 
pitchers, a couple of bases on balls in a close contest having 
a more depressing effect than double that number of base hits. 
And what applies to the pitcher applies with almost equal 
force to the catcher. The latter has the field before him, and 
after the ball, assuming that it is not hit, leaves the pitcher's 
hands he is master of the situation. If bases are stolen on him 
with impunity, if his passed balls are numerous, demoralization 
is bound to ensue, and it generally begins with the pitcher. 
How great a factor the catcher may be in the success of his 
team is shown in the case of Robinson, of the Baltimores, the 
champions of 1894. They had gone through the season without 
serious mishap until catcher Robinson was compelled to lay off 
on account of injuries. Up to the time he met with his acci- 
dent the team had been winning regularly. He laid off for ten 
games, and of those ten games only one resulted in victory. It is 
not claimed that the nine defeats would have been converted 
into victories by the presence of Robinson on the team, but it is 
reasonable to assume that the average that the club maintained 
before his mishap and after his return would have been kept up. 
It is not proposed to embody in these hints on fielding an 
essay on the art of curve pitching. That has been already cov- 
ered in the Spalding Athletic Library. A few suggestions 
as to the way in which he should field his position may, how- 
ever, be of some service to the young pitcher, even though he 
has acquired a mastery of the various shoots, curves and drops. 
In the first place he should remember that his mission does 
not end when he has sent the ball over the plate. On an 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING 




yjo. 7.— PITCHER IN ACT OF DELIVERING BALL. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 



19 



infield hit he should immediately run to first, taking care not to 
interfere with the runner in order to "back up." He might 
do this ninety-nine times without being of any service, and yet 
his failure on the one hundredth might mean defeat for his side. 
In the event of a wild pitch or passed ball he should always 
move up to the plate, whether it is necessary or not, and 
thereby acquire a good habit, which will become second nature 
to him. In attempting to field " bunts " the pitcher is called 
upon to exercise the greatest discretion. Whenever possible, 
" bunts " toward third should be handled by the third baseman 
instead of the pitcher, who necessarily loses time and motion 
by being compelled to turn aroui.d in order to throw. Unless 
an infield hit is coming straight toward him, the pitcher should 
also be wary of touching it. More base hits have been made 
by pitchers deflecting the course of the ball, for which either 
the shortstop or second baseman has been "set," than have 
been saved. On general principles, the pitcher will find it 
safer to give the infielders a chance on such hits as do not come 
straight at him in the box. 

THE CATCHER. 

~ As said before the catcher is 

scarcely less important than the 
pitcher, and by some he is con- 
sidered even greater. A great 
catcher may make an indifferent 
pitcher fairly effective; but the 
greatest pitcher that ever sent a 
ball across the plate could not 
make a good catcher out of a 
poor one. Then again the star 
catchers are used in every game 
possible, and as a consequence 
they are more thoroughly in touch 
with the rest of the players, and 
more likely to get a correct line 
on the strength and weakness of 
_ the opposing batsmen. 

The first requisite of a catcher 
is a good arm, without which he should seek some other occu- 
pation. No arm, no thrower; no thrower, no catcher. A player 
may be the best receiver in the world, may be quick at all those 
little tricks which enliven the game, but unless he can throw he 
is out of place in these days of fast base-running and sliding. 
Assuming that he has the arm and the ability to stop and hold 
the terrific delivery of his pitcher, the catcher should begin to 




20 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. 8.--CATCHER IN PROPER POSITION. 



PRACTICAL BAI.L PLAYING. 



21 



Study the methods of his opponents, and finding out what they 
want, endeavor to see that they get something else. He should 
study the methods of the base-runners as well as those of the 
batsmen, and lose no opportunity to compel them to " hug their 
bisas.' The correct position for the catcher is shown in the 
figure. In the act of receiving the ball, the body, providing 
thi pitch will perm it of it, should be brought into play so as 
tj break a part o^ the speed. • The ball once caught, no time 
should be lost in returning it to the desired point. Many strong 
thro.vars lose base-runners because of their slowness in gettirg 
the ball out of their hands. " Barney " Gilligan, of the Irovi- 
dence cha npions, was a very light catcher, barely scaling 130 
pounds, and only a moderately strong thrower, yet he lest so 
Uttle tiina between receiving the ball and sending it on his way 
to second that he was a terror even to the swiftest base-runner. 
*' Buck" Ewing's quickness in the same particular had as much 
to do with the fame he achieved as a backstop as his superb 
throwing. The catcher should always bear in mind to keep his 
body in front of the ball and not reach to either side. 

THE FIRST BASEMAN. 

First base is the easiest point of 
die infield to cover, and yet there 
can be and is as much difference be- 
tween first basemen as there is 
between shortstops. The province 
of the good first baseman is not con- 
fined to stopping batted balls and 
holding the throws of the fielders, 
although many men playing that 
position think it is. The tall man 
playing first base has manifest advan- 
tageij, all other things equal, over 
one of smaller stature. Height and 
reach count in handling low or high 
or wide balls, and the big man makes 
a better mark for the infielders to 
throw to. 
^^.,-' With no one on bases the first 

yt^ baseman should take up his position 
^ ^,-.- "'*"''*' ^* about fifteen feet back of the base 

'■'* line, being careful not to go too far 

^--^C^--^ from the foul line, which would pre- 

^'"'-S^^^*'^ ^ vent him from intercepting any fair 

ball that might be hit to'his left. If, in order to field a ball, he is 



22 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. 9— first BASEMAN RECEIVING WIDE THROW. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 23 

compelled to go into short right field he should not attempt to 
make the out at first himself, but should depend upon the pitcher to 
cover the base. There is no more vexatious incident in the game 
than to see the runner and the baseman making a dash for first, 
aad the former gaining it in safety when he would have been 
put out had the pitcher covered the base. With a runner on 
first the baseman should remain close to the bag in order to 
prevent the runner from getting too great a start. When the 
pitcher raises his arm to deliver the ball the first baseman 
should move down the line toward second. 

In the event of the ball being hit toward him he should as 
quick as thought determine whether he has time to head off at 
second the runner who has just vacated first. If he has, that 
is his play, although it involves rapid work and the possibility 
of a wild throw or a muff. But in any event he must not 
hesitate. If the ball has been handled cleanly the easier play 
is, of course, to retire the man running to first, but the player 
who is on first reaches second and is in a position to score on a 
single base hit. But if the ball is fielded to second in time to 
retire the runner, the side at bat gains nothing by the out. If 
the ball is thrown to second the first baseman should im- 
mediately return to his base, because if it has been a fast hit 
ball there is always the possibility of a double play, which from 
a spectacular point of view is the prettiest of the game. The 
first baseman should always back up throws to second from left 
and centre fields, and he might save many a base by getting 
behind the catcher on long throws to the plate. 



THE SECOND BASEMAN 

Second base has not inaptly been called the " keystone of the 
infield." Upon the coolness, quickness, and judgment of the 
player covering that position hinge, in a great measure, victory 
or defeat. In an actual playing sense, that is, the purely 
physical act of catching, stopping, or throwing the ball, the 
second baseman's duties are less arduous than those of either 
the shortstop or the third baseman. Being practically on a line 
with the pitcher and the batsman, he is in better position to 
watch the course of the ball from the time it leaves the pitcher's 
hand until it comes in contact with the bat; and being in so 
much closer proximity to first than either of his associates, his 
shorter throw enables him to play further back, and thereby 
avoid the terrifically strong drives which the shortstop and the 
third baseman must necessarily face, But there his advantages 



24 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. io.— proper position FOR STOPPING GROUND BALL 



PRACTICAL I'Al, 



25 



end, and his responsibilities begin. To be successful, the sec- 
ond baseman must study the batsmen, to know in which direc- 
tion they naturally hit, and to govern himself accordingly ; to 
play well out to right for some batsmen and to play close to 
second for others; to anticipate what either the shortstop or 
third baseman is likely to do when men are on bases, and to be 
in the right place at the right time. 

All the infielders should remember that it is always good 
policy to retire the runner nearest home, but the second base- 
man particularly should impress that fact upon his memory. He 
should work in perfect unison with the shortstop. If there is a 
runner on first, and there is a. ball knocked into his field, the 
second baseman's first thought should be to head off the runner 
at second when possible. He should always feel assured, how- 
ever, that the shortstop is covering the base. At the same time 




he should not permit his anxiety to head off a runner to lead 
him into errors of judgment, and in his attempt to save one 
base lose two. For instance, when the field is playing in for 
the purpose of preventing a runner scoring from third, and the 
ball is batted to an infielder, the latter should be sure that he 
has time to catch his man at the plate. If in doubt, he should 
play safety and retire the batsman; but under all circumstances, 
if he means to throw home, he should do so as soon as he gets 
the ball in his hand. The second baseman should remember 
that there are others in the game beside himself, and should 
not permit his zeal to work a disadvantage to his side. This 
hint is particularly applicable in working double plays and in 
preventing a runner scoring from third when a runner tries to 
steal second. When a double play is possible, and time will 
permit, the second baseman should field the ball to the short- 
stop, who js always in better position to throw to first. If the 



26 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 




Fig. II.— outfielder STOPPING FLY BALL. 



PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 



27 



second baseman wants to secure both the put-out and the assist, 
the time he loses in running to the bag, regaining his balance, 
and getting in position frequently causes him to miss a runner 
at first base who might have been retired had he thrown the 
ball to the shortstop in the first place. And when a runner on 
third tries to score on the throw down to catch another runner 
trying to steal second, the second baseman must nf|.t attempt 
too much. That play should be made in this way: Assuming 
that tlie runner on first starts to second with the movement of 
the pitcher's arm, the second baseman should run in on tte 
ball, keeping an eye on the runner on third and paying no at- 
tention to the runner on first. The shortstop takes caie 
of the latter by running over to second. If the man on third 
makes a break for home, then, of course, the second baseman 
throws to the catcher. If, however, the runner only makes a 
bluff of going in, and returns to third instead, then the second 
baseman should permit the ball to go to the shortstop, who is 
covering second, who will retire the runner. coming from first. 
In no event should the second baseman endeavor to make the 
out himself. 



THE SHORTSTOP. 



The shortstop occupies a middle posi- 
tion between the second and third base- 
man, not only geographically, but in a 
playing sense, and in a fielding way 
must combine to some extent the good 
qualities of both. Like the second base- 
man, he should learn the batsmen's 
peculiarities and try to anticipate just 
where they will drive the ball. Owing 
to his longer throw, the shortstop can- 
not afford to play so far away from the 
plate as the second baseman, but the depth of the field he plays 
should be measured by the strength of his arm. The strong- 
throwing shortstop has a double advantage. The "deeper" he 
plays the more likelihood there is of him getting in front of 
Vjalls which he never would have reached had he 'been playing 
further in, to say nothing of the increased opportunities it 
gives him to reach fly balls to left or centre which might have 
dropped safely between the in and outfields. 




PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 



THE THIRD BASEMAN. 



Third base is the 
hardest position in the 
infield to play, and the 
fact that there are so few 
first-class third basemen 
goes to prove it. The 
third baseman is handi- 
capped at the outset, be- 
cause he does not know 
what he will be called 
upon to do until the ball 
is at him. The second 
baseman and shortstop 
have the advantage of 
being able to see the ball 
from the time it leaves 
the pitcher's hands until 
it goes off the bat, but, 
except when left-handed batsmen are at the plate, the third 
baseman is kept constantly guessing. The ball comes at him 
with more speed than at any other fielder, and on account of 
the larger throw the strain imposed upon him is greater. The 
development of the "bunt" has also increased the difficulties 
of his position and incidentally its dangers. The third baseman 
should learn to keep the ball in front of him and, if possessed 
of a good throwing arm, to play back of the line rather than in 
front of it. He and the shortstop should have a thorough un- 
derstanding, so that they will not conflict. The third baseman 
should handle all balls upon which he can get his tM'o hands, 
but under no circumstance should he endeavor to stop a ball 
\yith his left hand for which both he and the shortstop rre 
"set." The catching of the difficult straight-up high-foul 
flies is another feature of the third baseman's work, to which he 
can profitably afford to devote any amount of practice. 




PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. 



THE OUTFIELDERS. 




If there are any sinecures on a base- 
ball team they are supposed to be found 
in the outfield; yet, as in the case of the 
first baseman, the outfielders are fre- 
quently potential factors in the game. 
The first essential of a good outfielder 
is the ability to throw strong and accu- 
rately. A fielder may learn to catch and 
to "get up" to a ball in time, buturlei^s 
he is able to throw, and to throw well, 
he will never be a success. Folloviing 
in importance come surere<^s of catch, 
running and judgment. The gocd 
fielder should know what lo do the in- 
stant the ball goes off the tat. If it is 
a long fly, and he sees (hat it is going 
over his head, he should turn and run 
and then stop about where he thinks the ball will come dcvn. 
This style of catch had its most distinguished exponent in tie 
late James G. Fogarty, and has admirable exemplars to-day in 
Duffy and McCarthy of Boston, Kelly of Ealtiniore, Delahanly 
of Philadelphia, Griffin of Brooklyn, and other League outfield- 
ers. Fielders who run with the ball — that is, are compelled to 
keep the ball in sight — cannot cover as much ground as the 
others, and make what is professionally called "grand-stand 
catches " of flies that would be easy chances for those ^^ho 
have acquired the knack of running with their back to the Tall 
and turning about where it falls. 

Too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance of field- 
ers backing each other up. What looks like a simple catch may 
result in a muff; the easiest kind of a grounder maybe fumbled 
or missed. It is then that the advantages of backing up are 
made manifest. The effect of the error is partially or wholly 
nullified if the fielders are working in concert. What would 
have been perhaps a three-base hit is reduced to a single, or 
the man who was on second is held on third by the prompt ac- 
tion of the fielders protecting each other. Again, the outfield- 
ers should move in as soon as the ball is hit toward one of the 
infielders, for many an extra base is saved in that way. 

Above all, the aspiring fielder, whether in the in or the out- 
fields, should remember to always move in the direction of the 
ball. 



SPALDING'S COMPLETE UNIFORMS. 



Our line ot flannels for Base Bail Uniforms consists of five qualities and 
over forty different patterns. Each grade is kept up to the highest point 

of excellence, and patterns changed 
every season ; base ball players may 
be assured that whatever grade of 
uniform is selected, it will be the very 
best that can be furnished for the 
money. On orders for complete sets 
'i i »^wYl(3!i9l/^ L ^ ^\ ^^ uniforms, we make no charge for 
' IV / \ (■ I1IN& ^fc\ 'ottering ; on orders for single suits 
r iWliifi^y y we charge F/ye Ce/7fs per letter. Spe- 
' ' ' cial measurement blanks, samples of 

flannel and belt webbing for all the 
following uniforms furnished on ap- 
plication. 

No. O. Uniform, complete, 

Plain Pants $ | 4.00 

No. I , Uniform, complete. 

Plain Pants | | ,00 

No. 2. Uniform, complete. 

Plain Pants 8.40 

No. 3. Uniform, complete, 

Plain Pants 6.00 

No. 4. Uniform, complete, 

m '«^^^ IIIIIH' Plain Pants 4.25 

»//» ■■■■ mniin ^=,<^ jg-^^ g^ Uniform, complete. 

Plain Pants 2.75 

On No. o Uniform, Padded 

Pants extra.. | .OO 

On Nos. I, 2, 3 and 4 Uni- 
forms, Padded Pants ,75 

OUR COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF 

SPRING aid SDMHBR SPORTS, 

HANDSOMELY ILLUSTRATED, 

And Containing Every Requisite for Athletic SpOrtS, mailed 
dee to any address. 

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 







SrflLDlNQV QflTCHERJ' niTTJ. 

Made in Pdghts and Lefts, and without Thirowing Gloves. 

yj^ /'*/• *k Highest Quality Mitt, made oi 
fjJdidil^^ the finest selected leather, 
/ H,cH<sT<»Airrr 'S lieavily padded and laced all 
Y^ ' — -^ ^ around Each, $7.50 

The "iWlorriir' Mitt. 

Special design, made of finest drab buckskin, heavily 
padded ; a soft, easy fitting mitt Each, $6.00 

No 7/0 ^°* 5/0" Spalding's League Mitt, finest selected hog- 
skin, laced back and well padded ; a strong, durable 
mitt Each, $5.00 

No. OX. Spalding's "Decker Patent" Mitt, hand of 
soft deerskin, back of selected hogskin, laced, and sole 
leather reinforce on back for additional protection, 
well made and padded ; the original catchers' mitt. 

Each, $3.50 

No. O. Spalding's Catchers' Mitt, hand of soft tanned 

No. OX. deerskin, back-piece selected hogskin, laced back and 

well padded Each, $3.00 

No. A. Spalding's Amateur Mitt, extra quality leather, 
heavily padded, lace back Each, $2.00 

No. 3. Spalding's Practice Mitt, hand of grain leather, 
back of sheepskin, laced all around and well padded. 

Each, $ 1 ,00 

No. 3. 

Boys' Mitts. 

No. OXB. Spalding's "Decker Patent" Boys' Mitt, 
hand-piece of velvet tanned deerskin, back of fine 
hogskin, sole leather reinforced patent back for extra 
protection to fingers, laced and heavily padded. 

Each, $2.00 

No. 2. Spalding's Boys' Mitt, tanned buckskin, laced 
back and nicely padded .> Each, $ | ,50 

No. 4. Spalding's Boys' Mitt, front and back grain 
leather, hand-piece yellow tanned sheepskin, laced 

back and well padded Each, 50C. 

No. 2. No. 5. Spalding's Boys' Mitt, leather front hand-piece; 
a strong and durable glove for boys Each, 25C. 





Our Complete Illustrated Catalogue Mailed Free. 

fi. Q. SpiWiuj & Pro?., '="'^*°SkwToRr''"'^' 





Spalding's Base Ball Goods. 

Spalding's Basemen's Mitts. 

Made in Rights and Lefts. 

, ^-v >;> Base Mitt, finest velvet 

nimUninui^S tanned buckskin, per- 

No. 3X /^yJr^Srfurf^ fectly padded, highest 

^^ r-^---^.^ 'l"^ '^^Each, $3.00 

No. AX. Spalding's Basemen's Mitt, soft tanned 

„„-™.ssxwx.. . brown leather, fine felt padding, made in rights and 

IH^M lefts Each, $2.00 

v^^^^gf -j^^ g ^^ Spalding's Basemen's Mitt, mad of special 

No. 4X. gold tanned leather, well padded, rights and lefts. 

Each, $ 1 .00 

No. 6X. Spalding's Boys' Basemen's Mitt, same as our No. 5X, but smaller 

sizes '. Each, 50C. 

Spalding's Basemen's Mitt. 

In Rights and Lefts. 

Basemen's Mitt, finest 

velvet tanned buck- 

Nn RV jf^'Mh'^^^^r^ skin, laced edge, per- 

..•'\je ^^°- "'^■CiiAC—irr^'j fectly padded, 

* ^^^""^ highest quality. 

Each, $4.00 

Spalding's Infielders' Clove. 

In Rights and Lefts. 

_^ j y<j\ y^^ Infielders' Glove, finest 

^n^ iw\mitifitdi velvet tanned buck- 
No. 2 X. (^vSt^!!!^'^ *'^^"' pe'-fectly pad- 
i^X "'11 ^"^^C — »™|wutr-^ ded, highest quality. 

^^^ Each, $3.00 

No. X. Spalding's Amateur Infielders' Glove. 

Each, $ 1 .50 

Spalding's Body Protectors. 

Gray's Patent. 
Made of rubber and inflated with air. The only safe and 
reliable Body Protector. 

Each. 

No. 00. Umpire Body Protector $ | O.OO 

No. O. League " " f O.OO 

No. 1. Amateur " " 6.00 

No. 2. Boys' " " 5.00 

Our complete Catalogue of " Spring and Summer Sports," mailed free to 
any address. 

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 
New York. Chicago. Philadelphia, 




SPALDING'S BASE BALL GOODS, 

Spalding's Club Bat Bags. 



No. o. 
No. 1. 
No. 2. 



v£ _ 



WiMli i i l iiii i i 



iai 

No. 2. 
League Club Bag, sole leather, for i8 bats. 
Canvas Club Bag, leather ends, for 24 bats. 
Canvas Club Bag, leather ends, for 12 bats 



Individual Bags. 



Each. 

$15.00 
5.00 
4.00 




No. 02. Each. 

No. O I . Sole Leather Bag, for two bats ■.•.•■ ^^'99 

No. 02. Heavy Canvas Bag, leather reinforce at both ends | .50 

No. 03! Canvas Bag, leather reinforce at one end I ,00 

Athletes' Uniform Bag. 

For carrying Base Ball and other Uni- 
forms, made to roll, and will not wrinkle or 
soil same, separate compartment for shoes. Each. 

No. 1. Canvas $2-50 

No. 2. Leather 3.50 

Spalding's Bases. 

^ Three Bases to a set. Per Set. 

No. O. League Club Bases, extra quality, quilted, 

with spikes ■■'^^■§5 

No. I, Best Canvas Bases, not quilted, with spikes. , •• S-OO 

No. 2, Ordinary Canvas Bases, with spikes 4.00, 

Home Plates. 

mXo. I , Rubber Home Plate, League regulation. Each". 
complete, with spikes $7.50 
No. 2. Marble Home Plates, best quality 2.00 
No- 3. Plate for Pitcher's Box 5.00 

Spalding's Indicators. Each. 

Wg^c,^!^^ Ill No.O. Umpire Indicators $0.50' 

iL>iLV /?!>»' ^j ll ^^_ ^ Scoring Tablets 35 

No. o. . 

Our Complete Catalog ae of " Spring and Summer Sports " Mailed 
Free to Any Address. 

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICACO. PHILADELPHIA. 




Spalding's Supporters and Bandages. 

FOR ALL ATHLETIC SPORTS. 



No, 

No. 

No. 

No. 

No. 
Morton's No. 
No. I , Stocking Supporter 
No. 2. Stocking Supporter 




Supporters. Each 

j, Morton's Supporter ^ .35 

2. Rheim's Supporter .50 

3. Dare's Supporter I .OO 

lOO. Wrist Supporter 25 

230. Wrist Supporter 50 

H. Ankle Supporter Pair, | .25 

•' .50 

" .35 




Elastic Bandages. 



SHOULDER CAP. 



No. 
No. 

No. 
No. 



I A. 

2. 
2A. 



Cotton 
Silk.... 



No. 3. 

No 3A. 



Wrist Piece. 



No. 
No. 

No. 
No. 



4. 
4A. 

5. 
5A. 



ELBOW PIECE. 

Cotton 

Silk , 

ARM PIECE. 
Cotton 

Silk 

KNEE CAP. 
Cotton 1.50 

Silk 2.00 



Each. 

$3.50 

5.00 

f.50 
2.00 

I.50 
2.00 



ANKLE PIECE. 



Cotton. 

Silk . 



1. 50 
2.00 



No. 6. 

No. 6A. 



Cotton 
Silk. 



WRIST PIECE. 



.75 
f.OO 



^f^J^ Suspensories. 

Ankle. CHICAGO SUSPENSORIES, 

No. 70. Non-Elastic Bands $ ,25 

No. 7 1 , Elastic Buttock Bands ,50 

No. 72. Full Elastic Bands 75 

No. 73^. Elastic Bands, silk sack i .OO 

No. 75. Elastic Bands, satin top piece 1.25 

No. 76. Silk Elastic Bands, satin trimmings 2.00 

OLD POINT COMFORT. 

No. 2. Elastic Bands, adjusting buckles $ I .OO 

No. 3, Elastic Bands, silk sack and trimmings 1.50 

No. 4. Silk Elastic Bands, satin trimmings, fine silk sack 2.00 

Send for our complete Catalsgue of " Springand Summer Sports," hand- 
somely illustrated, and the most comprehensive Catalogue ever issued. 
Mailed free. 

A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 
New York. Chicago. Philadelphia. 




A TMLETIC UNIirORMS 

AND 

Wearing Apparel for All Sports. 



SPOI^TSMEN'S WE/VR 



'O'^ 




OUR BROOKLYN FACTORY. 



Bicycle Suits, Sweaters, Tennis 
Suits, Jerseys, Attiletic Slioes, 
Knee Pants, College aad Full 
Tights, Outing Caps, Ladies' & 
Gentlemens' Belts. 
In Cotton, Worsted, Silk and 
Leather. 



BARNARD'S Celebrated Al 
Shooting Coat, Shooting Trous, 
ers, Shooting Hats and Caps- 
Gun Cases, Cartridge Belts, 
Revolver Holsters. 

And an Important Line of 
Leggings. 



I DflHllHnU & bUi| 199-201 Madison St., CHICAGO, ILL 



strictly flanufacturers. 



SEND FOK OUR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE. 




ATJHbETie SwE/)rTEF^S 




to variations in weight. Colors, 



Our " Highest Quality " 
Sweaters are made of the 
very finest Australian 
lambs' wool and are ex- 
ceedingly soft and pleas- 
ant to wear. They are 
full fashioned to body and 
arms and without s:ams 
of any kind. We call spe- 
cial attention to the " In- 
tercollegiate "grade which 
we originally made by spe- 
cial order for the Yale foot 
ball eleven and are now ex- 
clusively used by all In- 
tercollegiate players. The}' 
are considerably heavier 
than the heaviest sweater 
ever knitted and cannot 
be furnished by any other 
maker, as we have exclus- 
ive control of this special 
weight. The various 
grades in our ''Highest 
Quality " Sweaters are 
identical in quality and 
finish, the difference in 
price being due entirely 
White, Navy Blue, Black and Maroon. 



No. A. 
No. B. 
No C. 

No. D. 



" Intercollegiate," special weight $7. CO 

Heavyweight 5.00 

Standard weight 4.50 

Medium weight 3.50 



Our complete catalogue of Athletic Uniforms and all other requisite* foi 
Indoor and Outdoor Sports, mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 
New York. Chicago. Philadelphia. 



OUR LATEJT NOVELTY 
THE 



44 




BABY'' 



JEWINQ M/ICHINE 

A Perfect Little Machine. 

Charges Prepaid to any Express 
or Post Office in the Un-ited 
States 
It is not a toy , but a perfect little 
Sewing Machine, and Warranted 
to do Good Sewing on any mater- 
ial that can be used on the regular 
sewing machine. 

It uses the "Wilcox & Gibbs No. 

2 needle and the regular No. 60 

thread. It makes a chain stitch. 

It has a patent finger 

protector which absolutely 

prevents the smallest child 

from getting i t s finger 

under the needle, either 

by accident or intent. 

It has a tension screw 
for regulating the tension. 
_ , , . It is simple in construc- 

Fastened by Clamp furnished with each machine, but not jJqj^ cannot get out of or- 
shownincut.^ der, and the smallest child 

can successfully work it. It is attached to table, chair or any convenient 
place by clamp, which is furnished with each machine. It has no attach- 
ment of any kind, is intended to do plain sewing only, and is not offered as a 
substitute for the family sewing machine. It is sent, complete, in a wood 
box, securely packed, and the machine properly adjusted, with thread, clamp, 
needles, and everything necessary to begin sewing the minute it is opened 
up. Simple directions for its operation on each box. 

Each machine is thoroughly tested before leaving the factory and a sample 
of its sewing left on the plate. The price, $2.50, must be sent with order, 
and we will then send it to your nearest Express Office, all charges paid, or 
to any Post Office in the United States in registered package. Not sent 
C. O. D. Agents wanted everywhere. Write tor terms. 



Price, $2.50. Charges Prepaid. 



Our Complete Catalogue contains thousands of the latest and most inter- 
esting Novelties as well as all requisites for Athletic Sports and Pastimes. 
Mailed free on application. 

PECK & SNYDER, 

11 and 13 BEEKMAN ST., 
P. O. Box 2751. NEW YORK CITY. 







SPALDING'S Uniform Goods. 

BASE BALL BELTS. 

Worsted Web Belts. 

2% inches wide. Each. 

No. o_. No. 00. Special League Belt $0.50 

No. 2. Worsted Web, double leather 

covered buckle 5Q 

No. 47. Worsted Web, single leather 
covered buckle .50 

^°-"- Cotton Web Belts. 

Q-Yi inches wide. 
No. 23. Double strap, nickel buckle. .. ,25 
No. 4. Single strap, leather mounted, 

plain buckles .15 

No. 4. 

Base Ball Stockings. pair. 

No. OO. Heav3% ribbed, linen sole $1.25 

iHI lilii No. 3/0. Extra Heavy, plain or striped.... 1,50 

ili iiif ^°- •■ All Wool, heavy I.OO 

iHf nil ^°- 2. AH Wool, medium 75 

B^K *fl|| No. 3, Wool, ordinary weight 5C 

mm ^W ^o- 4. Cotton Stockiags ,23 

^ ^ No. 5/0. Scotch Wool 4.0fl 

o. 3/0. 3. No. 4/0. Irish Wool 2.5C 

Spalding's Base Ball Shoes. p^ir. 

No. 2/0. The Spalding Highest 

|fc^,__^_^^ Quality Base Ball Shoe $7.50 

Sf'^ ^ \o. J /O, Finest Calf, hand-sewed, 

^^^ I I'ith plates 5.00 

f^iir Jl ^ '. IX. Fine Calf, hand -sewed, with 

-— srf** /<S^ I'l^^^^ 4.00 

^[^ -.xC..v«yY N .3P. Calf, with plates 3.50 

'■^*S*'*^ ^o.3. Calf, no plates •. 3,00 



Our complete Catalogue of Spring and Summer Sports, Athletic Goods anc 

Uniforms, for all outings, mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



SEND FOR OUR 
COMPLETE 

ILLUSTRATED 
CATALOGUE 




Wright & Ditson's Championship Ball 



Adopted by the United States Lawn Tennis Association, Intercollegiate 
Lawn Tennis Association, Southern Lawn Tennis Association, Canadian 
Lawn Tennis Association, and other Associations of the United States and 
Canada. 

Retail, 344 Washington St. 
Wholesale, 95 Pearl St. 



BOSTON, MASS, 



This Trade Mark 



-^^ 




\ 



-^^ 



Tbe Standard of Corpparisop 
Tbe World Over, 

and which has stood the test of years, will be stamped in the 
future, as in the past, on all goods manufactured by us and 
will guarantee each article, from the cheapest to the highest 
priced, as the very best that can be produced for the money. 

But this additional Trade Mark — 




will be placed on the ''Highest Quality" goods in their 
respective line and will be a further guarantee that the article so 
stamped represents the very highest grade of material, work- 
manship and finish, and the most perfect in design our past 
experience enables us to produce. 

Our Complete Catalogue of "SPRING AND SUHHER SPORTS" 
Mailed FREE to any Address. 

A. Q. 5PALblNQ ^ BR05., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



CHAMPION JAMES J. CORBETT 

USED THE 

"Corbett" 

(TRADE MARK) 

Boxing ©loves 

Manufactured by A. J. REACH CO., 
Tulip and Palmer Streets, Philadelphia, Pa., 

in hi8 Fight with niTCMELL *J*a''n!%^5?'?§SiJ^ 




The REACH 



Is on the Wrist 



An Exact Duplicate of the Gloves used by CORBETT 
will be sent upon Receipt of Price. 

Per Set, - - $7.50. 

If you cannot get them in your city, address 

A. J. REACH CO., 

Tulip and Palmer Sts., Philadelphia, Pa, 



SPALDING'S CATCHERS' MASKS. 




No. s/c 



No. o. 



No. 2/0, 



No. o. 



No. 4/0. 



Black Enameled Wire. 

Sun Protecting Mask, 
black enameled wire, Eack. 
highest quality $5j00 




No. 3/0. Spalding's Neck Protecting Mask, black 
enameled wire 

No. 2/0. Spalding's Special League Mask, heavy 
black enameled wire .... 

No. O. Spalding's Regulation Mask, heavy wire, 
black enameled 




Catchers' Masks. 

Bright Wire. 

No. O. Spalding's Regulation 

No. A. Spalding's Amateur Mask 

No. B. Spalding's Amateur Boys' Mask, same as 
No. A, in boys' sizes . 

No. C. Spalding's Youths' Mask, without head or 
chin piece 

No. D. Spalding's Boys' Mask, without head or 
chin piece 

No. E. Spalding's Boys' Mask, lighter wire, with- 
out head or chin piece 



Spalding's Shoe Plates. 



No. O. Hand Forged Toe Plates.. 
No. 2-0. Hand Forged Heel Plates. 
No. I . Professional Toe Plates. . . 
No. 1 H, Professional Heel Plates.. 
No. 2. Amateur Shoe Plates 



3.50 
3.00 
2.50 

Each. 
$2.00 
1. 50 

1.00 

.75 

.50 

.25 

Per Pair. 
50c. 
50c. 
25c. 
25c. 
lOc 



:w 




Pitchers' Toe Plates. 

Made of heavy brass and worn on toe of shoe. 
A valuable assistant in pitching. Pair, 

Rights and Lefts 500» 



Otir Catalogue of " Spring and Summer Sports," handsomely illus- 
trated, and containing every requisite for athletic 
sports, mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



WE ARE THE ONLY BUILDERS OF THE 
GEriUlME 

Famous St. Lawrence River Skiff. 

AVOID WORTHLESS IMITATIONS. 



Look for our trade-mark shield, which is 
:>^^CAJ^o 7 plS'Ced on every boat of onr manufacture. 



« CLAYTON 



Our eight boats, St. Lawrence River Skiffs ; 
rowboats ; sailing canoes ; paddling canoe ; 
yacht tender and small sail yacht received 

HIGHEST POSSIBLE AWARDS 

At World's Columbian Exposition. 



We build HIGH GRADE Pleasure Craft of all kinds, 
from Canoe to Steam Launch. 



Our single-hander Sail Boats, of modern built fin-keel type, 
are immensely successful cruisers and racers. 



On receipt of applicption, we will mail to any address our 
HANDSOMELY ILLUSTRATED AND DESCRIPTIVE 
CATALOGUE. 




ST. LAWRENCE RIVER 

SKIFF, CANOE AND 

STEAM LAUNCH CO., 

CLAYTON, 
Jefferson County, 

N. Y. 



SPALDING'S TRADE MARK BATS. 





M 



_ Men's Model, made of finest selected 
timber, oil finish, and in three approved Each. 
models, A, B and C. Each bat in sep- 
arate bag. Highest Quality $ I -OO 

Boys' Model, same quality and finish, 
in three patterns, A , B and C | .OO 



No. 3/0. Each. 

No. 3/0. Spalding's Special Black End League Players' Wagon 

Tongue Ash Bat, patent rough handle 3 | ,00 

No. O'X. Spalding's Special Black End Axletree Bat, fine straight 

grained ash ,50 

No. 2/ X» Spalding's Black End Antique Finish Bat, extra quality 

Ash. .25 



No. 4a Spalding's Black End Willow Bat, highly polished and 
very light ,50 

Spalding's Trade-Mark Boys' Bats. 



No. OXB. Spalding's Special Black End Axletree Boys' Bat; Each. 

length, 30 and 32 inches $0.25 

No. 56. Spalding's Black End Youths' Maple Bat, stained and 

polished, gilt stripes , | O 

No. 53. Spalding's Black End Youths' Maple Bat, polished, gilt 

stripes ,|0 

No. 54, Spalding's Black End Boys' Maple Bat, black stripes, 26 

to 28 inches ,05 



Our complete Catalogue of " Spring and Summer Sports," handsomely 

illustrated, and containing every requisite for athletic 

sports, mailed free to any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 

NEW YORK. CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA. 



5rflLDiN0's Athletic Librart. 

Published Monthly. Each Number Complete. 
Devoted to all kinds of Sports. 

No. I. LIFE AND BATTLES OF JAMES J. CORBETT. 

No. 2. INDIAN CLUBS AND DUMB BELLS. By J. H. Doogh. 

ERTY, Amateur Champion of America. 

No. 3. BOWLING. By A.E. Vogell. Containing instructions How to 
Bowl, How to core, How to Handicap. 

No. 4. BOXING. This book is, without doubt, the most valuable 
manual of its kind ever published. It is fully illustrated. 

No. 5. GYMNASTICS. By Robert Stoll, N. Y. A. C, America's 
Champion on the Flying Rings since 1885. 

No. 6. LAWN TENNIS. By O. . Campbell. 

No. 7. BASE BALL. By Walter Camp 

No. 8. GOLF. By J. Stiakt Balfour. 

No. 9. ATHLETES' GUIDE. Articles on Training, printing, Throw- 
ing Weights,Walking, etc.,and Rules for Government of Athletic Games. 

No. jO. CROQUET. Official Rules of the Game as adopted by the 
National Croquet Association. 

No. II, SPALDING'S OFFICIAL FOOT BALL GUIDE AND 

REFEREE'S BOOK. Revised bv Walter Camp. 

No. 12. G/tLIC AND ASSOCIATION FOOT BALL. Complete 

Methods and Rules of each Game. 

No. 13. HANDBALL. Hoxy to Play It. Rules and Definitions, Regu- 
lation Court and its construction, with other interesting matter. 

No. 14. CURLING, HOCKEY AND POLO. Rules governing each 
c^ame, and other valualjle information. 

NO.^ISA. INDOOR BASE BALL GUIDE. Complete illustrations for 
Playing, with Description of Game. 

No. 16. SKATING. History of Skating, from earliest appearance to the 
present day, to which is added a list of the most authentic recorcs. 

No. 17. BASKET BALL. Latest Revised Rules, with diagrams show- 
ing position of plavers, etc. 

No. 18. FENCING. Complete Manual of Foil and Sabre, according to 
the methods of the best modern school. 

No. 19. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE FOR 1894. 

Complete hand-book of the National Game of Base Ball. 
No. 20. CRICKET GUIDE. By Geo. Wright. Fully Illustrated. 
No. 21. ROWING. By E. J. Giannini, Champion Amateur Oarsman. 

Fully illustrated. 
No, 22. CROQUET. As adopted by the National Croquet Ass'n. Ill'i 
No. 23. CANOEING. By C. Bowver Vaux. 

No. 24. OFFICIAL FOOT BALL GUIDE FOR 1894. Edited by 

Walter Camp. Contains revised rules, portraits of leading players, etc. 
No. 25. SWIMMING. Rv Walter G. Douglas. Illustrated. 
No. 26 HOW TO PLAY FOOT BALL. By W.^lter Camp. lU'd. 

No. 27. COLLEGE ATHLETICS. By M. C. Mirphv. 

No. 28. ATHLETIC ALMANAC. Bv Tames E. i-lliv.an-. 

No. 29. EXERCISING WITH PULLEY WEIGHTS. h.s.Anuersqn 

No. 30. HOW TO PLAY LACROSSE. By w. H. Corbett. 

No. 31. SPALDING'S OFFICIAL BASE BALL GUIDE FOR 1895 

No. 32A. PRACTICAL BALL PLAYING. By Arthur A. Irwix. 
EACH COPY, 10 CENTS. 

BiAERKflN 5P0RTS PUBL15H1H6 COMPANY. 

241 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. 



SPALDING'S UNIFORM GOODS. 




Base Ball Shirts. 

No. O quality Shirts, regular styles, 
Each, $6.00 
No. I quality Shirts, " 5.00 

No. 2 quality Shirts, •' 3.75 

No. 3 quality Shirts, " 2.75 

N^. 4 quality Shirts, " 2.00 

Base Ball Pants. 



No. O quality Pants, 
No. I 
No. 2 " 
No. 3 
No. 4 " 



Plain. Padded. 

$5.00 $6.00 

3.75 4.50 

2.73 3.50 

2.00 2.75 

1 .35 2.00 



Padded Pants. Base Ball Caps. 

Chicago, College, Eton, Skull, Jockey and Boston Styles. 
No. O quality, best quality. 
No. I quality, lighter flannel, 
No. 2 quality, good flannel, . 
No. 3 quality, ordinary flannel, 
No. 4 quality, light flannel, 




Each. 

$1.00 
.75 
.65 
50 
.40 



Chicago Style. 



Each, lOc. 
" 25c. 
" 50c. 



Score Books-Pocket Sizes 

No. 1 . Paper Cover, 7 games. 
No. 2. Board Cover, 22 games, . 
No. 3. Board Cover, 46 games, 

Club Sizes. 
No. 4. Board Cover, 30 games, . 
No. 5. Cloth Cover, 60 games, . 
No. 6. Cloth Cover, 90 games, 
No. 7. Cloth Cover, 120 games, . 

Score Cards, per doz., 25c. 
Our Catalogue of Spring and Summer Sports and Athletic Uniforms, mailed 



Each, 



$1.00 

1.75 
2.50 
3.00 



ilog 
free to any address 

A. G 

NEW YORK. 



SPALDING & Bros., 

CHICAGO. PHILADELPHIA, 



OFFICE OF PRESIDENT 

NATIONAL LEAGUE AND AMERICAN ASSOCIATION 

OP 

PROFESSIONAL BASE BALL CLUBS. 





No. I. 
No. O. 
No. 1 B 
No. 2. 
No. 3. 
No. 5. 
No. 2B, 
No. 7. 
No. 7B. 
No M. 
No. 6. 
No. (4. 



No. 8. 
No. 9B, 
No. 13. 
No. ( 5. 
No. 16. 



SPALDING'S 

TRADE MARK BASE BALLS.. 

The Spalding League^ 

Ball} adopted by the National 
League and American Association. 
of Professional Base Ball Clubs. 
Warranted to last a full game with- 
out ripping or losing its elasticity or 
shape. 



Official League Ball, 
Double Seam Ball, 
Boys' League Ball, 
Professional Ball, 
Amateur Ball, 
King of the Diamond, 
Boys' Professional, 
Boys' Favorite Ball, 
League Junior Ball, 
Bouncer Ball, 
Victor Ball, 
Boys' Amateur Ball, 

(All of the above in 
Eureka Ball, 
Boys' Lively Ball, 
Rocket Ball, 
Dandy Ball, 
Boss, 4-piece Ball, 

(The above not in separate box.) 



separate box and sealed.) 



Each. 

JI.50 

1.50 

I.OO 

f.OO 

.75 

.50 

.50 

.25 

.25 

.25 

.20 

.15 

.10 
.lO 
.05 
.05 
.05 



OUR COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF 

Spring and Summer Sports, Athletic and Uniform Goods. 

The most complete catalogue of its kind ever issued and mailed free to 

any address. 



A. G. SPALDING & BROS.. 

New York. Chicago. Philadelphia. 



SFOlDi'S DFFICi mMK HIIIES. 

^ Compiled by JAMES E. SULLIVAN. 

Containins the Latest Official Rules for the Government of all 
kinds of Sport. The Most Complete and Up-to-Date Book 
ever Published. Contains Rules Governing 

Archery, Basket Ball, 
Bicycling, Bowls, Skit- 
tles, Bowling, Lawn 
Tennis, Canoeing, 
Cricket, Croquet, Court 
Tennis, Curling, Fenc- 
ing, Foot Ball, Gym- 
nastics, Golf, Hitch- 
and-Kick, Hand Ball, 
A.A.U. General Rules, 
A. A. U. Athletic 
Rules, Badminton, Bet- 
tin g, Boxing — M ar- 
quis of Queensberry 
Rules, London Prize 
Ring Rules ; Broad- 
sword(Mounted)Rules, 
Gaelic Association, La- 
crosse, National Rifle 
Association, Pistol and 
Revolver Shooting, In- 
animate Target Shoot- 
ing, Live Bird Shoot- 
ing, Hockey, Polo 
(Water), Polo Associa- 
tion Rules, Polo(Rink), 
Quoiting, Racing — Po- 
tato, Sack, Obstacle, 
Three Legged ; Dog 
Racing, Pigeon Flying, Rowing, Racquets, Sheffield Rules, Skat- 
ing, Snow-Shoeing, Shuffleboard, Wrestling — Collar-and-Elbow, 
Catch-as-catch-can, Grseco-Roman, Devonshire, Side Hold, Cum- 
berland and Westmoreland, Cross-Country Ruks, etc., etc. 
Price, postpaid, 50c. 
A. G. SPALDING & BROS., 
Chicago. Philadelphia. New YoiH!(# 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



■Hi. 

CHEST WEIGHTS 




Price, - - $10.00 
i6-lb. Weights. 



No. 6. 

This is practically the same 
as our No. 5 Chest "Weight with- 
out the Centre Arm Adjust- 
ment, and is susceptible of all 
the movements to be had in 
any wall machine, excepting 
our No. 5. It is handsomely 
finished in japan, has double 
set of guide rods, compound 
ropes, swivel pulley and anti- 
friction bearings, perfectly 
noisless in operation and re- 
quires no oil. Each machine 
is furnished with ash wall 
boards, all necessary screws 
for setting up, and nicely crated 
for shipment. 



Our Complete Illustrated Catalogue of Gymnasium, Athletic 
and Outing Goods MAILED FREE. 

A. ©. SP/Vl-DiriG €r BR05., 

New Yofk, Chicago. Philadelphia. 



